Description

Dryopteris atrata, Shaggy Shield Fern, is endemic to the evergreen forests of Asia over a broad geographical range from Tibet and the Himalyas across to Vietnam and up to altitudes of 2300m above sea level. It is a tough, hardy fern, usually semi-evergreen in UK conditions and has attractive pipinnate fronds which are densely clothed in dark brownish-black scales.

Dryopteris atrata is very easy in cultivation and prefers a moist humus-rich soil, humid atmosphere and shade or semi-shade.